Sealing interface for a telecommunications enclosure

ABSTRACT

A sealing interface ( 26 ) that utilizes an elastomeric sealing member ( 28 ) is disclosed herein. The sealing interface ( 26 ) is configured to provide effective sealing while requiring only relatively low amounts of force to deform the elastomeric sealing member ( 28 ) sufficiently to form an effective seal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/801,847, filed Nov. 2, 2017, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/217,639, filed Jul. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.9,837,754, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/768,067, filed Aug. 14, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,029, which is aNational Stage of PCT/EP2014/053174, filed Feb. 19, 2014, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/766,517, filedFeb. 19, 2013, and which applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications networks often use enclosures for containing andprotecting telecommunications equipment (e.g., splice locations, opticalsplitters, multi-plexers, connection panels, etc.). Enclosures used inoutside environments are desirably sealed to prevent moisture intrusion.Gel seals have worked extremely well for providing perimeter sealsbetween bases and covers of enclosures and for providing seals at anyother types of interfaces between the housing pieces of an enclosure. Anexample gel sealed enclosure is disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,018.While gel seals are effective for preventing moisture intrusion, suchgel seals typically become less effective after the seals have beendisrupted or broken a number of times. Therefore, gel seals are oftennot used to seal components that are intended to be closed and re-openedmany times. Instead, elastomeric seals such as O-ring seals are oftenused. A problem with O-ring seals is that such seals often requirerelatively large clamping forces to ensure adequate sealing.

EP 1053419 B1 discloses a sealing interface having a shaped elastomericsealing member that is used to provide a seal between two housingpieces. In use, the elastomeric sealing member forms radial seals withina channel of one of the housing pieces. A problem with this type ofdesign is that a relatively large force is required to press theelastomeric sealing member within its corresponding channel to form theradial seals.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealing interface thatutilizes an elastomeric sealing member. The sealing interface isconfigured to provide effective sealing while requiring only relativelylow amounts of force to deform the elastomeric sealing membersufficiently to form an effective seal. In one example, the elastomericsealing member undergoes a trampoline effect when deformed to a sealingconfiguration. In one example, a first axial seal location is providedat a first side of the elastomeric sealing member and second and thirdaxial seal locations are provided at a second side of the elastomericsealing member. In certain examples, the first axial seal location ispositioned on an axial reference line that intersects a void region, andthe second and third axial seal locations are positioned on oppositesides of the axial reference line.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealing interfacebetween two housing pieces that includes an elastomeric sealing memberhaving an H-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealinginterface between two housing pieces that includes an elastomericsealing member having a sheet-like construction.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosurefor telecommunications equipment. The enclosure includes first andsecond housing pieces that fit together to form at least a portion ofthe enclosure. The first and second housing pieces meet at a sealinginterface. The sealing interface includes a sealing channel section ofthe first housing piece and a sealing rib of the second housing piece.The sealing channel section defines a sealing channel. The sealing ribprojects into the sealing channel when the first and second housingpieces are fitted together. The sealing interface includes anelastomeric sealing member having a first side that faces away from aclosed end of the sealing channel and a second side that faces towardthe closed end of the sealing channel. The sealing interface alsoincludes a void region defined between the second side of theelastomeric sealing member and the closed end of the sealing channel.The sealing rib has a base end and a free end. The free end of thesealing rib engages the first side of the elastomeric sealing member toform a first axial seal location when the first and second housingpieces are fitted together. The sealing channel section engages thesecond side of the elastomeric sealing member to form second and thirdaxial seal locations when the first and second housing pieces are fittedtogether. The first axial seal location is positioned on an axialreference line that intersects the void region. The axial reference lineis positioned between the second and third axial seal locations.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosurehaving first and second pieces that fit together to form at least aportion of the enclosure. The first and second pieces meet at a sealinginterface. The sealing interface includes a sealing channel of the firsthousing piece and a sealing rib of the second housing piece. The sealingrib projects into the sealing channel when the first and second housingpieces are fitted together. The sealing interface includes anelastomeric sealing member positioned at the sealing channel. Theelastomeric sealing member has an H-shaped transverse cross-sectionalprofile. The H-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile includes twospace-apart legs interconnected by a cross-member. The sealing ribengages the cross-member when the first and second housing pieces arefitted together.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosurehaving first and second housing pieces that fit together to form atleast a portion of the enclosure. The first and second housing piecesmeet at a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes a sealingchannel of the first housing piece and a sealing rib of the secondhousing piece. The sealing rib projects into the sealing channel whenthe first and second housing pieces are fitted together. The sealinginterface includes an elastomeric sealing member in the form of anelastic sheet that extends across the sealing channel and is pressedinto the sealing channel by the sealing rib when the first and secondhousing pieces are fitted together.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a telecommunications enclosure inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example sealing interfacesuitable for use with the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1, thesealing interface is shown in a non-sealing state;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing interface of FIG. 2in a sealing state;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another sealing interfacesuitable for use with the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1., thesealing interface is shown in a non-sealing state;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing interface of FIG. 4in a sealing state;

FIG. 6 shows the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 in a non-latched(i.e., open) configuration;

FIG. 7 shows the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 in a partiallylatched position; and

FIG. 8 shows the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 in a fullylatched position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications enclosure 20 in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunicationsenclosure 20 includes first and second housing pieces 22, 24 that fittogether to form the telecommunications enclosure 20. The first housingpiece 22 is depicted as a base and the second housing piece 24 isdepicted as a dome. The first and second housing pieces 22, 24 meet at asealing interface 26 that forms a perimeter seal between the first andsecond housing pieces 22, 24 when the first and second housing pieces22, 24 are fitted together. The sealing interface 26 includes anelastomeric sealing member 28 arranged in a continuous loop. Theelastomeric sealing member 28 fits within a sealing channel 30 definedby a sealing channel section 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the first housingpiece 22. The second housing piece 24 includes a sealing rib 34 thatprojects into the sealing channel 30 and engages the elastomeric sealingmember 28 when the first and second housing pieces 22, 24 are fittedtogether. The telecommunications enclosure 20 further includes latches36 mounted at opposite sides of the housing for latching the first andsecond housing pieces 22, 24 together. The latches 36 hold the first andsecond housing pieces 22, 24 together with sufficient force toeffectively seal the sealing interface 26.

The second housing piece 24 is adapted to contain telecommunicationscomponents such as splice trays, optical power splitters, wave lengthdivision multiplexers, fiber managers, slack fiber storage devices andother components. The first housing piece 22 includes a central opening38 adapted for receiving a sealing block (not shown) that can bepressurized within the central opening 38. Typically, cables such asfiber optic cables can be routed into the telecommunications enclosure20 through a sealing block positioned in the central opening 38. Thesealing block provides environmental seals around the telecommunicationscables and also provides a peripheral seal with the interior of thefirst housing piece 22. The telecommunications enclosure 20 is are-enterable enclosure whereby the second housing piece 24 can bereadily disconnected from the first housing piece 22 by unlatching thelatches 36. Because the telecommunications enclosure 20 is readilyre-enterable, telecommunications equipment within the telecommunicationsenclosure 20 can be easily accessed for servicing, maintenance, repairor upgrades.

While the first housing piece 22 has been depicted as a base and thesecond housing piece 24 has been depicted as a dome, it will beappreciated that the housing pieces can have many different types ofconfigurations. For example, the housing pieces can include housingbodies with pivotal side covers, end covers or other type of coverarrangement. Aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to anytype of enclosure having housing pieces that fit together and requiresealing.

The aspects of the present disclosure relate to sealing arrangementsthat can provide effective sealing at low forces. By utilizing lowforces, the securement arrangement used to secure the first and secondhousing pieces 22, 24 together can be made less robust (e.g., latchescan be made smaller or a smaller number of latches can be reduced).Sealing arrangements in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure are preferably suited for use with re-enterable enclosures.Therefore, it is desirable for the sealing arrangements to be able to beopened and closed many times without losing the ability to provideeffective sealing.

As shown at FIGS. 2 and 3, the sealing channel section 32 is integralwith a main body of the first housing piece 22 and includes a channelbase 40 and two space-apart channel ribs 42 that project from thechannel base 40. The channel base 40 and the channel ribs 42 cooperateto define the sealing channel 30. As depicted at FIGS. 2 and 3, thechannel ribs 42 project upwardly from the channel base 40.

The sealing rib 34 is carried with the second housing piece 24 andincludes a base end 44 and a free end 46. The base end 44 of the sealingrib 34 is integral with a main body of the second housing piece 24. Thesealing rib 34 projects downwardly from the main body of the secondhousing piece 24. In this way, the sealing rib 34 extends from the mainbody of the second housing piece 24 toward the sealing channel 30. Asshown at FIG. 2, an axial reference line 47 bisects the sealing rib 34and extends through the sealing rib 34 from the base end 44 to the freeend 46.

The elastomeric sealing member 28 has an elastic construction and can bemade of a rubber or rubber-like material. In one example, theelastomeric sealing member 28 includes a silicone rubber material. Othermaterials having comparable elastomeric characteristics can be used aswell. The elastomeric sealing member 28 has a first side 48 that facesaway from a closed end 50 of the sealing channel 30 and a second side 52that faces toward the closed end 50 of the sealing channel 30. Thesealing interface 26 includes a void region 54 defined between thesecond side 52 of the elastomeric sealing member 28 and the closed end50 of the sealing channel 30.

When the first and second housing pieces 22, 24 are fitted together, thefree end 46 of the sealing rib 34 engages the first side 48 of theelastomeric sealing member 28 to form a first axial seal location 56(see FIG. 3) and the second side 52 of the elastomeric sealing memberengages the channel base 40 to form second and third axial seallocations 58, 60 (see FIG. 3). The first axial seal location 56 ispositioned on the axial reference line 47 that bisects the sealing rib34. The axial reference line 47 is positioned between the second andthird axial seal locations 58, 60.

As used herein, an axial direction is defined as the direction ofmovement between the sealing rib 34 and the sealing channel 30 as thefirst and second housing pieces 22, 24 are fitted together. As depictedin FIG. 2, the axial reference line 47 extends in the axial direction.As used herein, axial seal locations are sealing locations formed by aforce having at least a component that extends in the axial direction.The axial sealing forces have at least components that extend in theaxial direction. In certain examples, the force component extending inthe axial direction represents a majority of the total magnitude of thesealing force. In certain examples, the axial sealing forces are purelyaxial in direction such that the entire magnitudes of the forces extendin the axial direction. As shown at FIG. 3, the first, second and thirdaxial seal locations 56, 58 and 60 correspond to axial sealing forcesF1, F2, and F3. The axial seal in force F1 is the seal force applied tothe first side 48 of the elastomeric sealing member 28 by the free end46 of the sealing rib 34. The axial sealing forces F2 and F3 are theaxial sealing forces applied by the second side 52 of the elastomericsealing member 28 to the channel base 40. When the sealing interface 26is fully sealed, the void region 54 is maintained between the second andthird axial seal locations 58, 60 in axial alignment with the firstaxial seal location 56.

Referring to FIG. 2, the elastomeric sealing member 28 has an H-shapedtransverse cross-sectional profile that includes two spaced-apart legs62 interconnected by a cross-member 64. The legs 62 have rounded upperends 66 and rounded lower ends 68. The free end 46 of the sealing rib 34engages the top side of the cross-member 64 to provide the first axialseal location 56. The rounded lower ends 68 of the legs 62 engage thechannel base 40 to provide the second and third axial seal locations 58,60. Once the sealing interface 26 has been fully sealed, the elastomericsealing member 28 has a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectionalprofile (see FIG. 3).

When the sealing rib 34 engages the top side of the cross-member 64, thecross-member 64 can flex downwardly toward the void region 54 similar toa trampoline. In this way, since the cross-member 64 is not beingpressed directly against another solid surface, a relatively small forcecan be used to flex the cross-member 64 to form the first axial seallocation 56. As the force F1 is applied by the sealing rib 34 to thecross-member 64, the forces F2, F3 are transferred through theelastomeric sealing member 28 to the rounded lower ends 68 of the legs62. In this way, the second and third axial seal locations 58, 60 areprovided at the rounded lower ends 68 of the legs 62.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative sealing interface 126 that can be usedwith the telecommunications enclosure 20. The sealing interface 126includes a sealing rib 134 having a base end 144 and a free end 146. Thesealing interface 126 also includes a sealing channel structure 132defining a sealing channel 130. The sealing channel structure 132includes a channel base 140 and channel ribs 142. The sealing interface126 further includes an elastomeric sealing member 128 having anelastic, sheet-like construction. The elastomeric sealing member 128 hasa fixed end 170 that is fixed relative to the sealing channel structure132 and a movable end 172 that is movable relative to the sealingchannel structure 132. In a non-sealing configuration, the elastomericsealing member 128 is generally planar and bridges the sealing channel130 without extending into the sealing channel 130. Thus, theelastomeric sealing member 128 extends across top ends 174 of thechannel ribs 142.

To provide a seal at the sealing interface 126, the sealing rib 134 ispressed downwardly into the sealing channel 130. As the sealing rib 134is pushed into the sealing channel 130, the sealing rib 134 engages afirst side 148 of the elastomeric sealing member 128 thereby causing theelastomeric sealing member 128 to flex or deflect elastically downwardlyinto the sealing channel 130 so as to form a U-shaped transversecross-sectional profile (see FIG. 5). As the elastomeric sealing member128 is pressed into the sealing channel 130, the movable end 172 of theelastomeric sealing member 128 can slide relative to the sealing channelstructure 132 to provide extra sealing member length for accommodatingmovement of the elastomeric sealing member 128 into the sealing channel130. A void region 154 is defined between a second side 152 of theelastomeric sealing member 128 and the channel base 140. The void region154 exists before and after sealing. The presence of the void region 154allows the elastomeric sealing member 128 to flex like a trampoline toaccommodate the sealing rib 134. In this way, a relatively low amount offorce is required to move the sealing rib 134 from the non-sealingposition of FIG. 4 to the sealing position of FIG. 5.

In the sealing position of FIG. 5, a first axial seal location 156 isformed between the free end 146 of the sealing rib 134 and the firstside 148 of the elastomeric sealing member 128. Also, second and thirdaxial seal locations 158, 160 are defined between the second side 152 ofthe elastomeric sealing member 128 and the top ends 174 of the channelribs 142. Axial sealing forces F1, F2 and F3 respectively correspond tothe first, second and third axial seal locations 156, 158 and 160. Allof the axial sealing forces F1, F2 and F3 have an axial force component.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the latches 36 are configured to ensure uniformpressure is applied to the sealing interface during latching. In thisway, the second housing piece 24 is prevented from pivoting or cantingexcessively relative to the first housing piece 22 during latching. Eachof the latches 36 has an open position (see FIG. 6), a partially latchedposition (see FIG. 7) and a fully latched position (see FIG. 8). Thelatches have an intermediate over-the-center latching configuration thatholds the latches at the partial latching position and a finalover-the-center latching configuration that holds the latches in thefully latched position. Canting of the second housing piece 24 relativeto the first housing piece 22 is prevented by moving both of the latchesto the partial latching position before moving the latches to the fullylatched position.

The elastomeric sealing member 128 can be manufactured from relativelysoft materials having relatively low durometer hardness values. In oneexample, the elastomeric sealing member 128 can have a durometerhardness of between 15-45 Shore A. In other examples, the elastomericsealing member 128 can have a durometer hardness of between about 20-40Shore A. In certain examples, the elastomeric sealing member 128 canhave a durometer hardness of between about 20-30 Shore A.

The configuration of the elastomeric sealing member 128 can allow theenclosure to be effectively sealed without requiring large clampingforces. In the depicted example, only two latches 36 on opposite sidesof the telecommunications enclosure 20 can be used to effectivelycompress the seal about the entire sealing perimeter of the housing. Thetwo latches 36 can latch and seal the second housing piece 24 to thefirst housing piece 22 with minimal force because of the low durometerhardness value of the elastomeric sealing member 128 and theconfiguration of the seal. In other words, the latches 36 can beactuated with a relatively low latching force. Although only two latches36 are shown, it is understood that in other examples more than two ofthe latches 36 can be used. In certain examples, the durometer hardnessvalues of the elastomeric sealing member 128 can be greater than 45Shore A.

In one example, the amount of force to deform the elastomeric sealingmember 128 is minimal such that the elastomeric sealing member 128extends across the sealing channel 30 and is pressed into the sealingchannel 30 by the sealing rib 34 when the first and second housingpieces 22, 24 are fitted together. The travel distance measured todeform the elastomeric sealing member 128 is, for example, about atleast 2 mm. In one example, the travel distance is measured from aninitial point of contact with the elastomeric sealing member 128. Incertain examples, the travel distance of about at least 2 mm canincrease manufacturing tolerances.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

-   20 telecommunications enclosure-   22 first housing piece-   24 second housing piece-   26 sealing interface-   28 elastomeric sealing member-   30 sealing channel-   32 sealing channel section-   34 sealing rib-   36 latches-   38 central opening-   40 channel base-   42 channel ribs-   44 base end-   46 free end-   47 axial reference line-   48 first side-   50 closed end-   52 second side-   54 void region-   56 first axial seal location-   58 second axial seal location-   60 third axial seal location-   62 legs-   64 cross-member-   66 rounded upper ends-   68 rounded lower ends-   126 sealing interface-   128 elastomeric sealing member-   130 sealing channel-   132 sealing channel structure-   134 sealing rib-   140 channel base-   142 channel ribs-   144 base end-   146 free end-   148 first side-   152 second side-   154 void region-   156 first axial seal location-   158 second axial seal location-   160 third axial seal location-   170 fixed end-   172 movable end-   174 top ends-   F1, F2, F3 axial sealing forces

What is claimed is:
 1. A sealing arrangement for use in an enclosure,the enclosure having a housing that defines a sealing channel and asealing rib, the sealing arrangement comprising: an elastomeric sealingmember adapted to be positioned within the sealing channel, when theelastomeric sealing member is positioned within the sealing channel, theelastomeric sealing member has a first side that faces away from aclosed end of the sealing channel and a second side that faces towardthe closed end of the sealing channel; a first axial seal location beingformed at the first side of the elastomeric sealing member by thesealing rib when the enclosure is in a closed position; second and thirdaxial seal locations being formed at the second side of the elastomericsealing member, the second and third axial seal locations engaging theclosed end of the sealing channel, the first axial seal location beingpositioned on an axial reference line; and a void region being definedbetween the second side of the elastomeric sealing member and the closedend of the sealing channel when the enclosure is in the closed position,the void region being positioned between the second and third axial seallocations; wherein the axial reference line intersects the void region.2. The sealing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sealingmember has an H-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile.
 3. Thesealing arrangement of claim 2, wherein the H-shaped transversecross-sectional profile includes two spaced-apart legs interconnected bya cross-member, wherein the sealing rib engages the cross-member toprovide the first axial seal location.
 4. The sealing arrangement ofclaim 3, wherein ends of the two spaced-apart legs at the second side ofthe elastomeric sealing member engage the closed end of the channel toprovide the second and third axial seal locations.
 5. A sealingarrangement comprising: an enclosure having first and second pieces thatfit together to form at least a portion of the enclosure, the firstpiece defining a sealing channel section, the sealing channel sectiondefining a sealing channel, and the second piece defining a sealing rib;an elastomeric sealing member adapted to be positioned within thesealing channel, when the elastomeric sealing member is positionedwithin the sealing channel, the elastomeric sealing member has a firstside that faces away from a closed end of the sealing channel and asecond side that faces toward the closed end of the sealing channel; afirst axial seal location being formed at the first side of theelastomeric sealing member by the sealing rib when the first and secondpieces are fitted together; second and third axial seal locations beingformed at the second side of the elastomeric sealing member when thefirst and second pieces are fitted together, the second and third axialseal locations engaging the closed end of the sealing channel, the firstaxial seal location being positioned on an axial reference line; whenthe first and second pieces are fitted together, a void region isdefined between the second side of the elastomeric sealing member andthe closed end of the sealing channel, the void region being positionedbetween the second and third axial seal locations; and wherein the axialreference line intersects the void region.
 6. The sealing arrangement ofclaim 5, wherein the first piece includes a base and the second pieceincludes a cover, and wherein the first and second pieces meet at asealing interface that forms a perimeter seal between the base and thecover.
 7. The sealing arrangement of claim 6, wherein the base issecured to the cover by first and second latches positioned on oppositesides of the base, the first and second latches each having an openposition, an intermediate position, and a final position.
 8. The sealingarrangement of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric sealing member has anH-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile.
 9. The sealing arrangementof claim 8, wherein the H-shaped transverse cross-sectional profileincludes two spaced-apart legs interconnected by a cross-member, whereinthe sealing rib engages the cross-member to provide the first axial seallocation.
 10. The sealing arrangement of claim 9, wherein ends of thetwo spaced-apart legs at the second side of the elastomeric sealingmember engage the closed end of the channel to provide the second andthird axial seal locations.
 11. An enclosure comprising: first andsecond pieces that fit together to form at least a portion of theenclosure, the first and second pieces meeting at a sealing interface; asealing channel section being defined by the first piece, the sealingchannel section defining a sealing channel; a sealing rib being definedby the second piece, the sealing rib having a base end and a free end,the sealing rib projecting into the sealing channel when the first andsecond pieces are fitted together; an elastomeric sealing memberpositioned within the sealing channel, the elastomeric sealing memberhaving a first side that faces away from a closed end of the sealingchannel and a second side that faces toward the closed end of thesealing channel; and a void region defined between the second side ofthe elastomeric sealing member and the closed end of the sealingchannel; when the first and second pieces are fitted together, the freeend of the sealing rib projects into the sealing channel and engages thefirst side of the elastomeric sealing member to form a first axial seallocation and the second side of the elastomeric sealing member engagesthe closed end of the sealing channel to form second and third axialseal locations; and wherein the first axial seal location is positionedon an axial reference line that intersects the void region, the axialreference line being positioned between the second and third axial seallocations.
 12. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first pieceincludes a base and the second piece includes a cover, and wherein thesealing interface forms a perimeter seal between the base and the cover.13. The enclosure of claim 12, wherein the base is secured to the coverby first and second latches positioned on opposite sides of the base,the first and second latches each having an open position, anintermediate over-the-center position, and a final over-the-centerposition.
 14. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the elastomeric sealingmember is a rubber material.
 15. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein theelastomeric sealing member is silicone rubber.
 16. An enclosurecomprising: first and second pieces that fit together to form at least aportion of the enclosure, the first and second pieces meeting at asealing interface; a sealing channel section being defined by the firstpiece, the sealing channel section defining a sealing channel; a sealingrib being defined by the second piece, the sealing rib having a base endand a free end, the sealing rib projecting into the sealing channel whenthe first and second pieces are fitted together; an elastomeric sealingmember positioned within the sealing channel, the elastomeric sealingmember having a first side that faces away from a closed end of thesealing channel and a second side that faces toward the closed end ofthe sealing channel; and a void region defined between the second sideof the elastomeric sealing member and the closed end of the sealingchannel; when the first and second pieces are fitted together, the freeend of the sealing rib projects into the sealing channel and engages thefirst side of the elastomeric sealing member to form a first axial seallocation and the second side of the elastomeric sealing member engagesthe closed end of the sealing channel to form second and third axialseal locations; wherein the first axial seal location is positioned onan axial reference line that intersects the void region, the axialreference line being positioned between the second and third axial seallocations; and wherein the elastomeric sealing member has an H-shapedtransverse cross-sectional profile, the H-shaped transversecross-sectional profile includes two spaced-apart legs interconnected bya cross-member, wherein the sealing rib engages the cross-member at thefirst side of the elastomeric sealing member to provide the first axialseal location, and wherein ends of the two spaced-apart legs at thesecond side of the elastomeric sealing member engage the closed end ofthe channel to provide the second and third axial seal locations, thesecond and third axial seal locations being respectively positioned onopposite sides of the void region when the first and second housingpieces are fitted together.
 17. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein thefirst piece includes a base and the second piece includes a cover, andwherein the sealing interface forms a perimeter seal between the baseand the cover.
 18. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein the base issecured to the cover by first and second latches positioned on oppositesides of the base, the first and second latches each having an openposition, an intermediate over-the-center position, and a finalover-the-center position.
 19. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein theelastomeric sealing member is a rubber material.
 20. The enclosure ofclaim 16, wherein the elastomeric sealing member is silicone rubber.